One To Watch: Young leader Gilchrist making his mark at Chelsea

Alfie Gilchrist made his first start for Chelsea in the 4-0 win over Preston in the FA Cup third round.

The 20-year-old lined up at right-back and repaid the faith shown in him by Mauricio Pochettino with an assured display, completing 62 of his 73 passes and making four clearances.

With the Blues hampered by a long list of defensive injuries, Gilchrist may have an important role to play in the second half of the season.

Ahead of Tuesday's Carabao Cup semi-final first leg against Middlesbrough, we shine the spotlight on the promising youngster.

Progression

Gilchrist joined Chelsea from QPR in 2014 and he has progressed through the ranks at Stamford Bridge.

He signed his first professional contract in November 2020 and was then made captain of the Blues' Under-23s last February. 

The Englishman's performances in the youth system saw him rewarded with a new deal in September, extending his stay at the club until 2025.

A centre-back by trade, Gilchrist has previously earned comparisons with John Terry and he embodied the legendary Chelsea skipper's unwavering commitment during his promising cameo against Crystal Palace over the festive period.

The London native steamed into a tackle by the touchline before trying to use his head to block another Palace move seconds after.

Unbelievable attitude

Terry himself previously talked up Gilchrist as a future breakthrough talent at Chelsea.

The 43-year-old said: "Alfie, he's a really really good player. He's got an unbelievable attitude. He's been at the club since the age of eight.

"He performs so well on a daily basis, does everything right. I think he's got a good chance.

"I think Alfie's next step is to go on loan and then you should see how he does. I'm expecting big things from Alf."

But with the likes of Reece James, Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella, Ben Chilwell, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile all nursing injuries, Chelsea are not in a position to let Gilchrist leave the club temporarily in this month's transfer window.

Opportunity beckons

James' prolonged absence following hamstring surgery offers Gilchrist the perfect opportunity to shine at right-back in the remainder of the campaign and show off his versatility to Pochettino.

After the victory over Preston, the defender discussed his adaptation to the role and showed a level of maturity beyond his years.

He said: "I'm always ready and available for wherever the manager wants me to play, whether that's centre-back or right-back. 

"I'm covering that position in training every day and I try to learn everyone's roles so I can help them on the pitch.

"I think that has really helped me. When I talk to the right-back, I know what he should be doing. I think, 'If I was the centre-back, what would I be saying to me?'

"It's a big part of my game because it makes your game easier if you're talking, communicating and helping your team-mates out."

Whether Pochettino trusts Gilchrist to take on Boro tomorrow at the Riverside remains to be seen but the initial signs look as if Chelsea have another future star on their hands.